Early Years SEN Teaching Assistant
The Opportunity
Sense Education is working with a specialist Early Years setting in Whitehaven is seeking two nurturing, patient and proactive SEN Teaching Assistants to join their team. This is a chance to support young children with Autism, communication differences, and developmental delays as they begin their school journey—helping to build the foundations for lifelong learning.
What You’ll Be Doing
As an Early Years SEN Teaching Assistant, you’ll work in a structured, play-based environment supporting pupils aged 2 to 5. You’ll be a key part of a dedicated team helping children communicate, connect and grow through sensory exploration, music, visuals and movement.
Your role will include:
- Providing 1:1 and small group support to children with additional needs
- Encouraging early milestones in speech, motor skills, social interaction and independence
- Supporting learning through sensory play, routines, visual aids and child-led activities
- Promoting emotional regulation and safe, supported transitions
- Using or learning tools such as PECS, Makaton, visual timetables and communication boards
- Working closely with teachers, therapists and SENCOs to implement individual learning plans
Who You Are
This role is ideal for those who are calm, intuitive, and passionate about inclusive early education. We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, including:
- Minimum qualifications required: A recognised Teaching Assistant qualification or a background in education or care (NVQ, CACHE, Degree, or equivalent)
- Qualified Early Years practitioners or experienced Teaching Assistants
- Health, care or childcare professionals transitioning into schools
- Psychology, Education or Child Development graduates
- Individuals with lived or voluntary experience supporting children with SEND
You’ll need to be:
- Patient, compassionate and confident in supporting non-verbal or sensory-seeking children
- Comfortable with a hands-on, play-based approach
- Willing to learn and work as part of a collaborative team
The School
This nurturing Early Years setting is purpose-built to support children with SEND through a holistic, child-centred approach. The environment includes sensory zones, outdoor play areas, and quiet spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of its pupils. The staff team is skilled, warm and collaborative, making it a fantastic place to grow and learn alongside the children.
Working Hours and Details
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm
- Term time only
- Location - Whitehaven
- Role Type: Full Time / Part time/ Temp to perm
- Pay Rate: £14.60 - £16.90 per hour
Why Apply?
- Competitive pay
- Free training including PECS, Makaton, safeguarding and more
- Long-term opportunity with scope for permanent roles
- A route into teaching, therapy, early years or educational psychology
If you’re ready to join a caring team and help young children discover the joy of learning, we’d love to hear from you.
Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm
Pay: £14.60-£16.90 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
